Frankincense Essential Oil

Up until this point, I’ve been interchangeably referring to the resin of the Boswellia Serrata tree as frankincense. But technically when most people use the term frankincense, they’re referring to the oil that’s distilled from this resin. Both substances have their place in medicine, but the essential oil of frankincense seems to be the preferred form of use for frankincense. This is because it’s more concentrated and, if done right, contains the highest levels of healing compounds.

The essential oil of frankincense is often used in aromatherapy to clear out the nasal passages and lungs, as well as to purify or deodorize a space. It can also be taken orally to prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and oral infections. Many people combine frankincense oil with baking soda to create their own homemade toothpaste. Another way to use frankincense oil topically involves applying it directly to the skin to help clear blemishes and scars caused by acne and eczema, as well as to prevent wrinkles and under-eye circles and “bags.”

All the way around, frankincense has a solid track record as an effective treatment for a wide range of health conditions. The scientific literature has conclusively demonstrated efficacy for frankincense as a powerful therapeutic for:

• Gas, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, cramps, and other forms of gastrointestinal discomfort
  Taking just a few drops of food-grade frankincense oil with water can help address these problems, as well as help speed up the digestion of food for those with sluggish digestive tracts.
• Colds and influenza
  Taking frankincense orally and/or breathing it in from a diffuser can help quell the inflammation that results in coughing, phlegm, and other common symptoms of respiratory illness.
• Inflammation and pain
  Many people successfully use frankincense oil to relieve muscle and joint pain, as well as more serious conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Compromised immunity
  Studies have repeatedly shown that frankincense oil is a powerful immune system booster, helping to protect against harmful bacteria and viruses.
• Imbalanced or damaged hormones
  Endocrine disruption is a big problem in today’s estrogenic world, but frankincense oil has been shown to help balance hormone levels and prevent the excess buildup of estrogen that can lead to disastrous health outcomes in both men and women.
• Poor sleep
  Because of the unique way in which it relieves stress and anxiety, many people use frankincense oil to promote feelings of calm and improve sleep quality.
• Cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy
  Perhaps its biggest claim to fame, frankincense oil has been shown to treat multiple forms of cancer, including ovarian, breast, and skin cancers. A compound known as AKBA is one component of frankincense oil in particular that studies have shown effectively combats cancer cells and prevents them from spreading and metastasizing. This includes cancer cells that have developed resistance to conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy.